(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-305A-3d, G.W. Follett IN

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by G.W. Follett of Fremont, Indiana. Hoosier merchants in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and smaller towns issued Civil War tokens reflecting Indiana's diverse commercial landscape. G.W. Follett issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 305A-3d) is somewhat scarce. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 7 cataloged varieties, G.W. Follett was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 305A-3d